OVERVIEW

 

Welcome to Nova Scotia and the South Shore!

 

This 10 day private tour sampler takes in some of the most interesting and less travelled parts of my province. I have curated my favourite (and not so popular) spots, so that you can experience the unique place where I live.

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We will stay on beautiful Cape Sable Island for 5 nights at Harbour Guesthouse, my home since 2016. In Wolfville, we’ll have our first night at the beautiful Tattingstone Inn and our last night in Halifax at the Cambridge Suites in the centre of downtown. In Lunenburg we have two nights at the Homeport Inn.

 

In Wolfville, (home of Acadia University and the UNESCO Grand-Pré National Historic Site), we’ll have a chance to see the mighty Bay of Fundy with the highest tides in the world as we explore this spectacular area.

 

We start with a set lunch at La Caveau (in the Grand-Pré winery). After sampling their vintages, we can walk among the vines overlooking the vast Grand-Pré. Overnight we stay in the beautiful Tattingstone century inn.

 

Travelling southwest, Annapolis Royal (2 hours) is next with its lovely historical gardens and Fort Anne, situated at the confluence of the Annapolis and Allain rivers. Settled since 1629 it has a wealth of history of the early Acadian planters and French and British troops garrisoned here. There are also some wonderful galleries and shops in the little town we’ll have time to explore.

 

From Annapolis, we travel south on the Evangeline Trail, making our way to Cape Sable Island - Lobster Capital of Canada!

Our (2 hour) drive will take us along the French shore and the pretty towns, beaches and churches established in the 1700’s.

 

Now, we arrive at the southernmost tip of Nova Scotia - Cape Sable Island and my home. Encircled by stunning, near empty beaches with pure white sand, you can imagine being in the Caribbean!

 

We'll be here for 5 nights enjoying the attractions of this unique area. After touring Cape Sable Island we’ll head up towards Bridgewater and UNESCO site, Lunenburg.

 

Following a scenic drive along the La Have River outside of Bridgewater, we arrive mid-morning in time to visit the La Have Bakery and the pottery and artist studios. We’ll have coffee and a sweet treat before heading to Lunenburg (20 minutes) and our hotel for the next 2 nights. 

 

In Lunenburg we can explore the waterfront and visit Nova Scotia’s iconic schooner, The Bluenose, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and the many art galleries and shops in town. If the weather is good we’ll sit outside overlooking the harbour enjoying some fresh Nova Scotia seafood!

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The next day we have a short drive to Mahone Bay for lunch at a favourite spot of mine - Oh, My Cod - just 20 mins from Lunenburg. We’ll have time to browse the pretty harbour and see the main street shops before returning to Lunenburg overnight.

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On our last day we’ll visit Peggy’s Cove (I hour) for photos then head to Halifax and our hotel for the evening (90 mins). Farewell late lunch at the Bicycle Thief on the Halifax waterfront - just a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

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ITINERARY

 

Day 1 - Tuesday, June 18th
Pick up Halifax mid-morning at Cambridge Suites hotel. 
Transfer to Wolfville (1 hour) for set lunch at Grand-Pré Winery followed by a guided tour of Grand-Pré National Historic Site and interpretive centre. Check in to our hotel and relax or visit (20 minutes) Port Williams, Canning and Bay of Fundy - Look Off Point. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Tattingstone Inn, Wolfville

 

Day 2 - Wednesday, June 19th 
Breakfast at the Inn, then visit to the Tangled Garden for their amazing preserves and gardens with ponds, sculpture and wildlife. We’ll continue on to Annapolis Royal (75 mins) and visit Fort Anne, and the Historic Gardens before our drive to my home on Cape Sable Island. (2 hours). Light snack on the way at your leisure.

Dinner at the B&B followed by beach walk and sunset view.

Overnight Harbour Guesthouse, Cape Sable Island.

 

Day 3 - Thursday, June 20th 
Breakfast then beach walk on North East Point before we transfer to historic Shelburne (45 mins). Tour the museums and waterfront then picnic at the Islands Provincial Park. Afternoon free time at Harbour Guesthouse. Seafood Chowder (a house specialty) and biscuits for dinner. Overnight Harbour Guesthouse, Cape Sable Island.

 

Day 4 - Friday, June 21st

Packed breakfast before departing early for Yarmouth, site of Cape Forchu lighthouse (50 mins). The lighthouse is located on a spectacular rocky point in the Atlantic with fishing harbours and beaches along the way. Later, explore the old mansions in Yarmouth before seafood lunch at Dennis Point restaurant in Pubnico.

Next door is the Acadian Village and quilt studio - the very centre of Acadian culture in Nova Scotia. Light snacks/beverages in evening.

Optional walk on Barrington Trail after dinner.

Overnight Harbour Guesthouse, Cape Sable Island.

 

Day 5 - Saturday, June 22nd

Packed breakfast on the way to Wedgeport for our Tusket Island boat trip (70 mins). Visit to Tuna Museum in Wedgeport followed by boat tour, homemade chowder, and sea shanties with local guide Simon Le Blanc. Set light dinner - Harbour Guesthouse

Overnight Harbour Guesthouse, Cape Sable Island.